Loving Cup Ceremony
This custom eventually turned into tradition. Now, in the ceremony of the loving cup this ritual is mimicked. At events, the cup passes around a table with each guest drinking to his neighbour. When the one in possession of the cup stands to drink, their neighbours also rise. One stands back to back with whoever is about to drink, to protect them. The other bows to the drinker, removes the lid from the cup, and replaces it when the drinker is done. The same procedure is followed as the cup is passed round the table, with the original drinker becoming guard and so on.
Loving Cup Meaning
Due to its use in various ceremonies throughout the years, the loving cup has many meanings. One of the most sentimental is its symbolism when used in a marriage ritual. The loving cup itself represents the cup of life; filled with the future possibilities of the bride and groom. The wine within the cup contains sweet properties that represent happiness, joy, peace and hope. Bitter properties symbolising sorrow, grief and despair are also present. The combination of the two signifies ‘love’s journey’ and the experiences that are a part of this. All those who share from the cup will share the happiness and burdens the wine symbolises together.
Passing the Loving Cup
Loving cups can be passed down through generations, blessing those who drink from it with happiness and good fortune. They are often engraved with personal messages, suited to their purpose as family heirlooms. At AC Silver we are pleased to be able to offer our customers the exceptional loving cup that is pictured above. This is an impressive, rare antique Irish sterling silver loving cup, made in Cork by George Hodder. It is dated circa 1760, and is a fine example of its type.